‘Monty’ versus ‘Conventional’ Training… A summary of the astonishing Science Trials results is released at last! Reprint permission from Intelligent Horsemanship. Click on this link to view and download the whitepaper with science trials results and graphics: http://www.montyroberts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/science-trials-summary-results-with-graphics-final.pdf

On March 21, 2012 Monty was recognized by the Discovery Science Center of Southern California for his spirit of scientific inquiry and for his contributions in fostering a world of respectful communication. His presentation entitled The Science of Communication was hosted by Elizabeth and Tom Tierney of Coto de Caza, California.

A top-class team of Monty Roberts Certified Instructors is active worldwide. The common goal of these individuals is to leave the world a better place for horses and for people, too. If you are in a situation like the owner of Blaze, whose story is outlined below, please contact a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor to discuss the specific courses and instruction they provide. I hope you have great success in your search for a better knowledge of horsemanship through force-free communication, and know that my Instructors will be a valuable tool.

- Monty

Monty Roberts joins Horse & Country in this 13 part series. Filmed at Monty’s stunning Flag Is Up Farms in California, this series takes you on a journey into the mind and memories of one of the most influential men in equestrianism. Meet the inspirational man who listens to horses, and find out how he gains their trust and understanding. Click on this link to see the video: http://bcove.me/394f93jh

My husband would like to know if there is such a thing as a “coldback horse”. In other words “one that you have to lunge before each ride”? We think not, but there are others who tell us yes. Robert says he’ll take your word before anyone else’s.

Monty’s Answer:

The Coldback horse is a phenomenon generally referred to by horse people whereby the horse tends to want to buck with the saddle or the saddle and rider in the first minutes of any given day. The inference is that when the back is cold the horse wants to buck. When the back warms up, the tendency is to accept the saddle and rider. When assessing this phenomenon, one wants to be very careful not to confuse a physical problem with a psychological problem.

Many Coldback horses will generally outgrow it and resolve the problem pretty much on their own. One should be careful to exercise moderately before mounting. If we are dealing with a physical problem, the odds are that it will not resolve itself without dealing with the physical malady before expecting a resolution to what we term the Coldback problem. At this point in time I know of no other diagnostic solution than to X-ray the dorsal processes of the spinal column.

Once the X-ray is completed, the competent vet will diagnose normality or abnormality of the dorsal processes, their spacing and their alignment. Should there be the problem of misalignment, it is likely that the vet will determine it to be ‘Kissing Spine’. I am discovering that many horses who have heretofore been termed buckers or horses with many negative labels are actually horses with anatomical abnormalities that can cause extreme pain with the weight of a rider. One should be sure to investigate the potential for physical problems before labeling the horse as having psychological problems.

What can you do to help this horse? The vet might use an anti-inflammatory between the dorsals or even the removal of some processes with no ill effect with the horse being able to carry the saddle and rider.

Monty’s Answer:

Beginning riders have to train their muscles to get their riding position right. To achieve the leg position that I practice, you will want the center of the stirrup to be in the middle of the widest part of your foot. The goal is to have your toes pointed toward the horse’s ears, but straight ahead is acceptable. Your body should be aligned in a line from your head straight through your heels.

The ‘correct’ riding position varies depending on the riding discipline that you practice. A good student will also note that the correct riding position has changed through the times. When I was a young boy taking riding lessons, my riding instructors often reminded me to ‘grip with the knees and keep the toes in’ and this is the way that I ride even today.

The critical factor is that your body is well aligned so that you can be centered and balanced. The center line of the horse and the center line of the human should be matching exactly. Achieving the correct riding position takes a lot of practice. The goal is to be balanced on the horse at every gait, ensuring the safety of the rider and setting the horse and rider up for good performance.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Watch Monty explain and demonstrate his riding style in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUjnGsuv1f8

More here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-16476235

Monty’s Answer: Recently, I filmed a series of lessons for Equus Online University called ‘The Science of Saddle Fitting’ with saddle tech, Robert Ferrand. Our findings confirmed that no saddle can fit perfectly under all circumstances, but we can optimize the effect of a proper fitting saddle accompanied by an effective saddle pad cushion.

Since 2007, I have been working with a Canadian company, Cavallo Inc., that has reached out to assist us in this effort to maximize the effect of the saddle pad in the area of protecting the horse’s back. In this video, you will see me reviewing the qualities and benefits of Cavallo pads as I work with my horse, Nice Chrome.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Monty’s Answer: If a horse should own any part of the day, it’s when they’re eating. When you feed a horse, leave them alone. Get the feed to them as easily as you can without mixing in at all, and then leave them alone. If they tend to get impatient when you feed them, take them out of the stall first, feed the stall and then return your horse to the stall. This is not a time to train your horse.

This is not a time when they ought to be pleased with having you in their lives. Horses that are cranky when they’re fed are cranky because they want you out of their territory and they want the tranquility of being able to eat without being bothered by a human being. You wouldn’t want them coming and hanging their head over your table when you’re having lunch, and they feel the same way. So, it is best to leave your mare alone when you feed her.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Get free training tips from Monty by email or submit your question for his weekly question and answer column. Email: askmonty@montyroberts.com